IMD at the Africa CEO Forum

Top African CEOs and decision-makers gather in Geneva

CEOs of the largest African and international companies, political decision makers from more than 40 African countries, and the most active bankers and investors on the continent come together in Geneva on 20-21 March 2017 at the 5th edition of the AFRICA CEO FORUM.

The forum is a unique platform for discussion and debate around the economic and industrial challenges facing the African continent. Organized by the Group Jeune Afrique and rainbow unlimited, in partnership with the African Development Bank, the forum has become the foremost international event dedicated to the development of the private sector in Africa.

At this year’s event, IMD Professor Jennifer Jordan will speak as the expert for a panel on how to build leaders at African companies, moderated by CNN journalist Eleni Giokos and featuring CEOs from top companies active in Africa like AXA and Eithiopian Airlines. The panel will focus on how leadership-sharing models will help CEOs grow leaders as well as coaching and mentoring as essential tools to develop leadership capacities.

Dr Jennifer Jordan says: “Africa has already taught the world so much about the power of great leadership. But the continent has also experienced some of the most brutal leaders. Thus, the world can take many important leadership lessons from Africa. And Africa still has huge potential for developing its organizational leaders. I am excited to participate in this dialogue, which plays a part in paving the way for the future of leadership in the continent’s companies.”

Dr Hischam El Agamy, IMD Delegate to the Middle East, Africa and South and Central Asia will moderate the forum’s panel on family business. The family business panel will examine what governance models are relevant to African businesses as well as philanthropy and image management.

“Family run businesses make up a small percentage of the African economy compared to the rest of the world’s developing regions. We want to look at what family businesses in Africa could learn from other parts of the world but also what is unique about them,” said Dr El Agamy.

Also making appearances at the Forum will be Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank. Abebe Aemro Selassié, Director of the International Monetary Fund in Africa, Roberto Azevêdo Director General of the World Trade Organization and Johann Schneider-Ammann, Switzerland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.

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